A completely healthy National University is scary as shown in its straight-sets domination of UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament top seed Far Eastern University.
Michaelo Buddin had missed the first nine games of the Bulldogs this season. Today, he made his first start this tournament after spending the past four games off the bench.
The Season 85 2nd Best Outside Spiker showed that he’s back in form with a game-high tally of 17 points on an efficient 15-of-27 clip from spikes. He also recorded a block, an ace, and 11 excellent receptions.
And his performance helped push NU to the win over the Tamaraws.
“Sobrang nakita ko naman nung training namin na ready na talaga si Buddin,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin on his decision to insert Buddin back to the first six.
“Based sa performance niya ngayon, siguro yun yung naging missing link namin sa past games namin na kailangan namin talaga yung mindset ni Buddin sa laro.”
Before their back-to-back wins to close the elimination round, the Bulldogs were stunned by De La Salle University in a marathon four-set match, 19-25, 18-25, 33-31, 25-27.
In that match, Buddin came off the bench and played in the last three sets, finishing with 16 points.
For the 22-year-old sophomore, he expressed his gratitude to Alinsunurin for trusting him again to start for the three-time defending champion.
“Masaya po kasi hindi ko naman inexpect na bigla akong ipapasok sa first six ni coach. Thank you coach sa tiwala ulit,” Buddin said.
Now, Buddin expects to continue being an integral part of NU’s four-peat drive as they face De La Salle University in the Final Four.
Regardless of the result of La Salle’s match on Saturday against University of Santo Tomas, it will be the Bulldogs against the Green Spikers in the semis with their rankings still undecided.
A win by La Salle over UST will force a playoff for the number two seed and the coinciding twice-to-beat incentive. Meanwhile, a Golden Spikers victory will hand NU the second spot.
“Kahit papaano naman, goal ko naman lagi bago ako makabalik ay makacontribute sa team and pagbutihin ko pa lagi para sa darating na semis para makuha namin yung goal ng team namin,” said Buddin, who was sidelined due to a fractured right hand.
Jade Disquitado stepped up for the injured Buddin before, making him a strong candidate for the top rookie honors.
